USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 62
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On the IIth of April, 1901, occurred the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Anna Nagel, a daughter of Henry Nagel, of Davenport. Mr. White stands high in Masonic circles and is a past Master of Fraternal Lodge and member of the chapter and commandery. He is also past venerable master of the Lodge of Per- fection of the Scottish Rite, wise master of the Rose Croix Lodge and past po- tentate of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and other fraternities which recognize in him a valued and popular representative. He is a whole-souled, popular man, who would make an ideal political leader, but while he is interested in public affairs and assists his friends in obtaining office, he does not care for political preferment himself, de- siring rather to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, which are of growing importance. He justly deserves the proud American title of a self-made man, for he came to this country when a mere boy and by indefatigable energy, unabating industry and unassailable business integrity won the confidence
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of others and worked his way upward until he commands the respect and good will of all who know aught of his history. He is fond of outdoor sports, genial in manner and wherever he goes, wins friends.
CHARLES F. CLAPP.
Charles F. Clapp is now living retired in Davenport, but for a long period he was closely associated with the agricultural interests of Scott county and his energy was so unabating, his enterprise so keen and his business methods so practical that he now holds a place among the men of affluence of this section of Iowa. He experienced the hardships of farm life in the middle of the past century and many vicissitudes of fortune, but he persevered courageously and may regard the record of his seventy-two years with a large measure of satisfac- tion.
Charles F. Clapp was born in Fulton county, Illinois, February 28, 1838, a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Europe many generations ago and established the family in the eastern part of America. In its various rami- fications it is very numerous, for at a reunion held in Massachusetts in 1869 it was discovered that there were then over twelve hundred members, many of them were pioneers in the middle west. Selah Clapp, the grandfather of Charles F. Clapp, came west as far as Portage county, Ohio, in 1820 and bought a farm near Kent, which is still in the possession of his descendants and of which his grandson, Charles F., has a picture.
There his son, Spencer Clapp, the father of our subject, grew to manhood, learned the shoemaker's trade and was united in marriage to Miss Philiua Bond. In 1837 he and his brother-in-law, Seldon Bond, went with teams to Fulton county, Illinois, where the former entered one hundred and sixty acres of land and the latter three hundred and twenty, for which they paid one dollar and a quarter an acre. They built a house upon their property and lived thereon until 1839, when Spencer Clapp was recalled to his home on account of the ill- ness of his father. After his death he sold his land in Fulton county and, driv- ing the same teams with which he had crossed the prairies before, returned to the homestead. He managed it until October, 1854, when he came to Scott county, Iowa. In Davenport, on Locust street just east of Brady, he built a house-which by the way is still standing-and rented ten acres of land near what is now Central Park, planting it in corn. The next year he leased forty acres more near the race track, for which he gave Dr. Hall two-fifths of the crops as rent. For three years subsequently he continued to live in Davenport and after selling the house he had built first he put up another, which he traded later for forty acres in Sheridan township. But after he had built a house upon that land and removed his family to it, it was discovered that the title was im- perfect and he lost all he had put into it, and had reaped only two crops from the fields. The house, however, was not lost, for by means of thirty-two yoke of cattle and with the assistance of friends he was able to drag it into the road,
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where it remained for a year. In the work of moving old Mr. Meier had his leg broken.
Charles F. Clapp, who had accompanied his father on his several removals after leaving Fulton county, and had helped him in every way he could, was married about that time and brought his bride to the little home standing in the middle of the road, although later he went to live in a house belonging to his brother-in-law, Frank Ferring, who had gone to the war. While still living in the house in the road he received news that his brother, James Clapp, was among those that died at Vicksburg. He was a member of Mark Thompson's company of the Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Later Mr. Clapp himself was drafted into the army, in 1863, shortly after he had purchased forty acres of land from Mr. Hartzel and had put up a house upon it. When he learned his country needed him, he sold his property for twelve hundred dollars, went to town every day to see if the quota was filled and then found that whereas they needed only fifty men from each township they had drafted one hundred, and that he being the eighty-fourth would not be required to render service. There- upon with the money he had from the sale of his farm, he bought eighty acres in Sheridan township, the tract which his son David J. now owns and built thereon a house. There he lived until 1867, when he sold forty acres to John Grieve for fifteen hundred dollars and also disposed of some of the land he and his father had bought previously. Then he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Sheridan township, on which his son Charles now resides and which adjoined the first tract, living thereon until 1896, when he retired to Davenport. Now he owns two hundred and forty acres of fine farm land, this property being the visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and careful management.
It was on Christmas day, 1860, that Mr. Clapp wedded Miss Elizabeth Knouse, who was born January 28, 1842, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and was about eight years of age when her parents, David and Mary (Stump) Knouse, came to Scott county. They entered land in Sheridan township about half a mile west of Mr. Clapp's farm, but they spent their first night in Iowa on the place where Charles Clapp now lives. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp were nine children. Samuel, born in the house standing in the road, October 25, 1861, married Miss Nellie Morse and is now living at Adel, Iowa, where he is rearing his six children, Paul, Edward, Mamie, Leslie, Elizabeth and Eleanor. Anna born April 14, 1684, became the wife of L. B. Guy, of Davenport, and they have three sons, Ralph, Kenneth and Donald. Emma, born June 23, 1866, and died July 3, 1890. She had married George Marti and they had a daughter, Vera M., who is now living with Mr. Clapp. Bertha E., born April 13, 1869, became the wife of Milton Drenter, of Lincoln township, and passed away August 16, 1905, leaving three children: May, Pearl and Frank. Seldon, born August 16, 1871, married Miss Lottie Boise and is now residing in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he is rearing his two sons, Seldon and Charles. David J. and Charles S., twins, were born June II, 1874, and both are living on the old home place in Sheridan township. David J., married Jennie Neil, and they have one child, Neil. Charles S. wedded Miss Effie M. Evans, and they have two children, Lester E. and Mildred E. Archy, born January 26, 1880, was graduated from the Iowa City Medical College and from the Chicago Medical Institute and is
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now practicing medicine in Muscatine, Iowa, making a specialty, of the eye, ear and nose. He wedded Miss Helen Hine. Nellie, the youngest of Mr. Clapp's family, was born April 18, 1885, and is living with her parents. 'All of the chil- dren have received good educations.
While a resident of Sheridan township Mr. Clapp rendered his fellow citi- zens acceptable service for about ten years in the capacities of road supervisor and school director and was ever devoted to the public good. Fraternally he is associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious allegiance is given to the Christian church. He joined this organization first in Davenport in 1854, and when he moved to the country joined the congregation at Long Grove. Later, when he returned to Davenport he again joined the church there and is now the oldest member of this denomination in Scott county. He is deeply interested in church work and has been treasurer of his church for a long period. His life has ever been actuated by high principles, of honor and integrity, and the record of his life is characterized by a steady progress resulting from the wise and intelligent utili- zation of every opportunity that came to him, so that he may well enjoy the rest he so richly deserves.
JULIUS GRELL. 1
Julius Grell, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Hickory Grove township, was born in Allens Grove township, this county, November 8, 1864, a son of James and Margaret (Blümer) Grell. The former was a native of Kiel, Holstein, Ger- many, where his birth occurred March 10, 1839, his parents being Frederick and Margaret (Reinhardt) Grell, who spent their whole lives in the German father- land. To it Frederick Grell was especially attached for he had served a term of seven years in the army. He was a farmer by occupation and was employed as overseer of a large estate. Only four of his family of five sons and five daugh- ters came to the United States. These were: John, now deceased; James, the father of our subject; Claus, who is now a resident of Nebraska; and Mrs. Kath- erine Steen, now deceased.
James Grell spent his early years in the town of his birth, where he learned the trade of a wagonmaker. At the age of twenty-three he determined to emigrate to America, whither his brother John had preceded him. The latter made his residence in Allens Grove township, this county, so that it was but in the natural course of events that James Grell should there locate. After his arrival in Scott county he worked at his trade for seventeen years, while at the same time he also engaged in the cultivation of the farm in Allens Grove township on which he still resides. He cleared and developed it and as he prospered added to its original area until now he owns three hundred and twenty acres of good arable land on sec- tion 27. He also owns one hundred acres of timber land, his present holdings, however, representing but a portion of his original acquisition for he has bestowed large farms upon his sons. Before he embarked for America Mr. Grell married Miss Margaret Blümer, also a native of Kiel, Germany, and
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MR. AND MRS. JULIUS GRELL
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
a daughter of David Blümer, who was born in Switzerland. Their union was blessed with four sons and four daughters, namely: Edward, who is at home; Julius, the subject of this sketch; Gus, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Dora, the wife of Charles Blanchard, of Oklahoma; Emma, the wife of Herman Thede, a resident of Hickory Grove township; Minnie, who is the wife of Claus Engelhart and lives with Mr. Grell; Chris, who resides in Allens Grove town- ship; and Jennie, the wife of John Hoffmann, of Winfield township, this county. The mother died May 1, 1889, when about fifty years of age, but the father is still living. He is a democrat in his political views and has been very active in the public affairs of his township ..
Julius Grell was reared under the careful guidance of his parents in Allens Grove township, attending the district school near his home, in which he obtained a fair education. The more substantial and practical training for life, however, he received while he worked with his father in the fields, for he was initiated into the secrets of agriculture as soon as he was able to handle the plow. He remained with his father until he married, when he decided to make a home for himself. Accordingly, he removed to section 2, Hickory Grove township, where he owned a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. Here he engages in diversified farming and raises a quantity of stock for the market. Putting into practice the sound principles inculcated by his father Mr. Grell has won a well deserved success in his calling and enjoys the respect of his associates.
In 1899 Mr. Grell wedded Miss Rosa Hamann, who was born in Davenport, March 23, 1867. Her parents, John and Anna (Tackmann) Hamann, were na- tives of Holstein, Germany, and when they emigrated to America took up their residence in Scott county. They are at present living in Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Grell have two children: Margaret Anna and Karl Julius.
Like his father, Mr. Grell has allied himself with the. democratic party, al- though his adherence to its principles is not founded wholly upon the recom- mendation of another but because he believes firmly in them. He has, however, not taken any conspicuously active part in local affairs.
HENRY G. THOMPSON, M. D. V.
Henry G. Thompson, a prominent veterinarian and stock raiser, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1871, and is a son of T. T. and Laura (De Lamar) Thomp- son. The father lived for many years in the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. His birthplace was New Jersey, and he was one of the first settlers in the part of Ohio in which he made his home. The grandfather, John Thompson, was also a native of New Jersey and passed most of his life in the east. The grandmother's maiden name was Weber.
Henry G. Thompson received his schooling in Dubuque, attending both the lower and higher departments. He later matriculated at McKillip's Veterinary school in Chicago and graduated with the degree of M. D. V. From early boy- hood he had taken an unusual interest in all animals, particularly in horses, which natural bent determined his subsequent career. He engaged in stock raising and
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proved so successful that he was put in charge of several stock farms in Iowa and Minnesota. After engaging in his profession for five years in the latter state, he came to Davenport and has made his residence here for two years past. This period has been of sufficient duration for him to make a name for himself and to secure recognition as an expert in his line of endeavor.
On April 30, 1906, the foundations of a congenial domestic life were laid in Dr. Thompson's marriage to Miss Esther Sparks. The presence of a little daughter, Margaret Henrietta, adds brightness to the home, which is pleasantly located in flat 5 of the apartments at 404 Brady street.
Dr. and Mrs. Thompson belong to the Presbyterian church and may be relied upon to lend a helping hand to its good causes. While comparatively a new member of the community, Dr. Thompson has exhibited those qualities which have recommended him to his fellow townsmen as a citizen of value, at the same time taking high rank among the practitioners of the veterinary science.
HANNIBAL H. FRIDLEY.
The strength and determination to succeed despite the presence of many ob- stacles-characteristics strongly evident in the pioneers of Scott county-are traits which Hannibal H. Fridley inherited as his birthright. His mother, who was Miss Harriet Mounts in the days of her maidenhood, enjoyed the distinction of being the first white girl born within the boundaries of this county. It was the 2d of September, 1835, when she was brought into the world. Jacob Fridley, the father of our subject, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, although that section of the state was later included within the boundaries of West Virginia, March 27, 1820. In his young manhood he came to Scott county, and after some experience here bought the tract of land in Buffalo township on which his son, Hannibal H. Fridley lives today.
It has, in fact, always been the latter's home, for upon it he was born Janu- ary 15, 1862. Here he grew to manhood, attending the public school of the dis- trict until the age of thirteen years, when he was compelled to assume some of a man's responsibilities upon the farm. In the thirty odd years that he has cul- tivated it with a determination to win from its soil the largest returns possible, he has become more attached to it. It has, to be sure, rendered him large returns for his labors, but it is also associated with many memories which have come to have a real place in his life.
In 1892 Mr. Fridley was married to Miss Annie Churkey, a daughter of Beard Churkey, of Iowa county. They have become the parents of four chil- dren, namely : Lincoln B., who was born February 20, 1893; Luella M., who was born October 21, 1894; Virgie F., who was born June 14, 1896; and Jacob T., who was born March 27, 1898.
Since he has been of an age to exercise his right to vote, Mr. Fridley has invariably given his support to the candidates of the republican party, as the choice of an organization in whose principles he places the greatest confidence. While he has not been active in public affairs, he has been sincerely interested in
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the subject of popular education, and, as he was deprived from enjoying the highest advantages, as president of the school board he has exerted his influence in bettering the lower grades that those who are compelled to leave their studies early may have the best training possible. Mr. Fridley's is a life worthy of all praise and he has devoted himself unquestionably to what he considered his duty, winning a gratifying measure of success.
CYRILLUS WIRTH, M. D.
The medical profession of Scott county finds a worthy representative in Dr. Cyrillus Wirth, who not only has an extensive private practice but is also health officer for the city of Princeton and also for Princeton township. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Bellevue, Jackson county, on the 9th of July, 1869, his parents being Dr. J. G. and Regina (Benziger) Wirth. The father, who was born in Switzerland in April, 1811, was there reared and enjoyed ex- cellent educational advantages, being a graduate of Heidleberg University, Ger- many. For several years he practiced medicine in his native land and in Ger- many, and then, in 1860, sailed for the United States, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained there for only a few months, however, and then went to St. Louis, from which place he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and later, in 1862, settled in Bellevue, where he practiced medicine until his death, passing away in 1894. He was a great sportsman, being an excellent shot, and belonged to a number of gun clubs, including the American Sharpshooters Association, win- ning a fine gold watch at one of their tournaments. His wife still survives at the age of sixty-seven years and makes her home in Bellevue. By her marriage to Dr. Wirth she became the mother of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are: Elizabeth, who is engaged in teaching school in Bellevue; Guido, conducting a real-estate business in Van Horn, Iowa; and Phoebe, the wife of W. L. Monike, of New York city.
Cyrillus Wirth spent the years of his boyhood and youth in Bellevue and acquired his literary education in the public schools of that city, passing through consecutive grades until his graduation from the high school in 1885. Then, deciding to follow in the footsteps of his father and in preparation for a profes- sional career, he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he entered the Chicago Col- lege of Pharmacy, continuing his studies therein during the years 1886 and 1887. In the latter year he successfully passed the state board examination and in 1890 and 1891 attended the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Chicago. He was graduated from the Keokuk Physicians & Surgeons Medical College, on the 7th of March, 1893, with highest honors, having been awarded the faculty gold medal for first place in the class.
In 1894 Dr. Wirth was registered as pharmacist, and, thus well equipped for the duties of his chosen calling, he opened up an office in Bellevue for the practice of his profession. He remained there for only three years, however, after which he went to Van Horn, Benton county, Iowa, where he practiced for seven years, and at the expiration of that period removed to Cedar Rapids, remaining in
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that city for a similar period. In 1908 he opened an office in Princeton and has since been engaged in the practice of medicine in this city. Although he has resided here but a short time he has already gained a most gratifying practice which is not confined merely to the limits of the town but extends throughout the surrounding territory. He is well equipped by training for the successful conduct of his life work and has ever kept in close touch with the progress that is continually going on in the medical world, while he fully realizes the obliga- tions that devolve upon him in his profession and performs his duties in a con- scientious manner. His ability is recognized alike by his patrons and his brethren in the medical fraternity, a fact that is indicated in his appointment to the posi- tion of health officer for the city of Princeton and also for Princeton township, in which office he is now efficiently serving.
It was on the 4th of July, 1891, at Central City, Iowa, that Dr. Wirth was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Barnes, a daughter of Seymor L. and Har- riett E. Barnes, and unto this marriage has been born one daughter, Lyra. The father of Mrs. Wirth was an old soldier of the Civil war, belonging to Company F, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.
Dr. Wirth's religious views are indicated by his membership in the Presby- terian church, while in politics he gives his allegiance to the socialist party. He is a well known figure in fraternal circles, holding membership in the Star of the West Lodge, No. I, K. P., of Cedar Rapids, with the Modern Brotherhood of America at Cedar Rapids and also with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Highland Nobles at Princeton. He is medical examiner for the Court of Honor and also for the Woodmen lodge at Princeton. He has in his possession an old brass druggist's mortar which has been in the family for a great many years. It was made in 1658 and weighs six pounds, and is a relic of which Dr. Wirth is very proud.
HARRY J. FRANK.
Harry J. Frank, the sole proprietor of Frank's Foundry, is one of the many citi- zens of Davenport who believe that they can do their best work when engaged in business for themselves. About ten years ago he organized the concern of which he is the head, starting it upon a small scale. It has steadily advanced, however, until it has made a place for itself among the flourishing industries of the city.
Mr. Frank was born in Akron, Ohio, December 28, 1842, a son of Isaac and Melissa (Pryor) Frank. In the place of his birth he received his education and there learned the trade of a molder. At the age of nineteen years he left his home, thereafter following his profession in various cities throughout the country. He went first to Chicago, where he engaged in the foundry business. After a sojourn there he returned to Akron, Ohio, where he was employed upon the lakes for a season, but with the hope of bettering his fortunes he went to California. Upon his return east, after one year's experience, he located in Omaha, Nebraska. Going back to Akron, Ohio, he was married and then returned to the west.
II. J. FRANK
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At Denver, Colorado, Mr. Frank was located for the next ten years and later found employment in Leadville, Colorado, for two years. It was about twenty « years ago that he came to Davenport, where he was first employed as foreman by the Davenport Foundry & Machine Company, and while in that position saw an opportunity of embarking in business for himself whereby he might increase his income and make a respected place for himself in the community. In consequence he established Frank's Foundry, which has become one of the leading enterprises of the kind in the city. Although he operated it for a time alone, later he took his brother with him and, as his health failed, assigned more and more the cares and responsibilities to him.
In 1877 Mr. Frank was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anna Jones, of 'Akron, Ohio, and they have become the parents of eight children : Walter and Jennie, who are deceased; Eleanor, who married Arthur Hagebock; Grace, who is at home; Harry, a student at Purdue University ; Helen, a senior in the high school of Dav- enport; and Thomas J. and George Dewey, who are also in school.
Mr. Frank belongs to the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Columbia Sick Society, while he is an honorary member of the Iron Molders Union. As the success which he has won in the business world is due en- tirely to his own efforts he enjoys the proud distinction of being one of the self- made men of this republic.
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